Affording College
As you begin researching your college options, you might find yourself asking: How can I possibly pay for college?
We’re glad you asked (and you will be too)!
First things first: You’re not alone. Almost every student wonders how they’ll be able to afford college. But, you may not realize that most students — more than 75 percent of them — get help paying for it.
And, here are a few more things you should know:
The cost to attend college may not be the price you pay. The cost of attendance often includes tuition, housing and food, and fees for such items as books, student IDs, and parking permits. Don’t be discouraged by this number! Based on your financial need, you may receive financial aid — in the form of grants, loans, and/or scholarships — which makes the actual cost to attend much lower.
Some of the most expensive colleges provide the most generous financial aid. What does this mean for you? That “expensive” college just might be the most affordable one. Really! These colleges often have the resources to offer financial aid packages that meet 100 percent of their students’ demonstrated financial need.
Closer doesn’t always mean cheaper. You might think that just because a college is close to your home — or even within your state or region — that it’s less expensive for you to attend. That’s not always the case! While state schools charge less for tuition to in-state residents, their overall cost may not be lower than a private or out-of-state school.
So, we encourage you to explore many different colleges and to build your list based on schools that fit you personally and academically. Don’t limit yourself because you think a college might be too costly. Remember: All 170 Coalition schools are committed to responsible student financial aid, so they are smart and affordable college choices.
